Prep-Ahead Meals from Scratch: Make Healthy Home Cooking Practically Effortless

Premeditated Leftovers blog creator Milham introduces her “batch cooking” principle for home cooks on a budget. This collection of over 100 comforting and classic dishes for frugal cooks offers make-ahead techniques for meals that come together quickly. Redefining “convenience food,” Milham shows how to plan, prepare, and properly store batches of fresh ingredients in “usable portions.” Organizing the recipes by focal proteins (chicken, beef, pork, rice and beans), she explains six key preparation techniques for stocking up. Recipes contain easy-to-find ingredients and there are gluten-free options. The offerings include a hearty Tuscan white bean and squash soup, sloppy joes with a southwestern flair, quick skillet stroganoff, and a sweet potato stuffed with barbecued pulled pork. Basic broths, seasoning mixes, and sauces help cooks gain control of mealtime prep. Pantry lists, shortcuts, and a look at time-saving kitchen tools are included. While Milham’s approach is original, the dishes are not unique, and there are no desserts. These kid-friendly, penny-wise, and time-saving mains help rescue the busy home cook and prove that “Dinner doesn’t need to be complicated or time-consuming to be nutritious.” (Jan.)